LABOUR officials have issued stricter guidelines to combat the spread of the coronavirus, as more than 600 foreign labourers have so far tested positive, the GDN's Raji Unnikrishnan reports.
In an administrative circular sent to private sector firms in the country, the new rules include limiting labour camps to accommodate only 10 per cent of staff, restricting visitors at camps and encouraging women to work from home.
The circular, signed by Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel Humaidan, has four sections that detail obligatory measures to be taken by employers and employees.
The first section details general guidance, while the second addresses preventive measures at the workplace, followed by precautions at labour camps and sanctions for violators.
The measures came into effect from yesterday and will last until further notice.
“Employers must provide face masks to all employees and ensure that they wear it at work sites,” said the minister.
“The temperature of employees should be checked at the time of entry and exit and if found high should be reported to the 444 hotline.
“Women are advised to work from home, especially those who are pregnant or with ailments.
“Gatherings during break and in the corridors are strictly restricted, while the premises must be sanitised regularly.
“Sanitisers and cleaning items must also be provided at the workplace “
The guidelines to maintain safety at labour accommodations include ensuring the distance between two people is at least two metres, added the minister, which implies the reduction of the number of labourers in each room.
“Employers who provide accommodation for their workers must allocate separate buildings that accommodate 10pc of the workers as a minimum,” added the minister.
“This is to ensure the necessary precautionary quarantine measures as directed by the Public Health Directorate and is applicable to do employers having more than 50 employees.
“Visitors should not be allowed in staff accommodation.
“More toilets must be provided in staff accommodations.”
Employers have also been asked to take stern deterrent measures against violators.
